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It is barely three weeks since the Commons Speaker was assassinated, but today MPs decided to praise as well as bury him.
As a packed chamber trotted out tributes to Michael Martin, he could certainly be forgiven for looking vengeful.
MPs decided to opt for the true meaning of "fulsome" ("insincere" rather than "full") as they applauded a man whom many of them had painted as the symbol of the rottenness at the heart of Parliament.
With the Speaker's constitutional funeral having taken place last month, today was the memorial service and backbenchers forced themselves to celebrate his good works.
Mr Martin himself appeared a ghostly presence as he began with a weak joke about his signature being in demand for bottles of Speaker's whisky that go for £150 on eBay.
"I wanted to help the Chancellor in stimulating the economy," he said, but as a lifelong teetotaller he couldn't directly help with sales of the tipple.
He read out a list of his tributes to his staff. As he stumbled over the text, at the point where he praised the "concentration and accuracy" of Hansard writers, his failings were clear to see.
But it was when he moved on to the serious business of MPs' expenses that the Speaker moved to exact his revenge.
He said he was "sorry" Parliament had been brought "to its lowest ebb", but pointed the finger at Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg - and many other MPs - for failing to reform expenses more than a year ago.
The Speaker said he had personally backed a reform plan, but "the response from this house was deeply disappointing". Barely half of MPs voted and those who did rejected changes that were now being embraced by all.
The Speaker caused a sharp intake of breath saying: "I wish party leaders had shown then some of the leadership they have shown now."
After his 24-minute address, the chamber broke into applause.
The Prime Minister led the tributes. With wannabe Speakers lining the gangways, it was clear Mr Martin's end had not deterred them.
Mr Cameron was generous in his tribute, but it was Mr Clegg, one of the chief assassins, whose praise rang most hollow.
Earlier, Lib-Dem MP Paul Burstow reminded the House this was "Elderly Abuse Week". "Those who commit the assaults go unpunished," he said, without irony. Today, Mr Martin, aged 63, struck back.
Reader views (11)
At least he had the bottle to inform the country of the inebriated thinkers that profess a common purpose to govern this nation.
- William, Haywards Heath UK
He is as you say "the symbol of the rottenness at the heart of Parliament."
These people have brought shame on themselves and the institution of Parliament.
I can see that they think the public have short memories and will be thrown off-track with numerous inquiries. I expect that if this is not fully resolved by the next election the public will send a 'message' greater than that of the 'green revolution' in Iran.
Oh ! and Mr Martin ,dont slam the door on the way out!
- Sam, London,UK
Nu Labor go away!
- Jacqueline, Hampstead, London
As a Scot I am ashamed of my countrymen who have dominated politics in the UK for far too long.
When the Scottish Labour group loses its power to the SNP, Gordon Brown and co. will go down in history as the destroyers of the United Kingdom.
- Scotty, Cambridge UK
If he supported the reforms a year ago, presumably because they were the right way to go, then why did he no practyice what he preached AFTER it was defeated?
As always, it's down to choice. He chose - wrong. Now others have chosen - to dump him. Alpha et Omega.
- Rogan, Irving
Can barely read his own text, no wit or charm, generally useless, rude and partisan.
Now sling your hook Mick Martin.
- Undercover Elephant, Dole Farm, Crays Hill, Essex
The worst, most biased and hypocritical Speaker ever. Good riddance.
- Roger, Winchester, England
The corrupt cretins who infest Parliament still don't get it. This is about much more than thieving money in the form of expenses, I would suggest that most British people want real and meaningful changes to our electoral system, so that our representatives are actually voted in by the majority of their constituents, and a Parliament where there are few complacent MPs sat there in so-called "safe seats" which give them jobs for life (something they are quick to lecture us about), and an end to unelected power and privilege.
- Neil45, Gloucestershire, England.
The hypocracy is amazing,the saying "White men speak with forked tongue"comes to mind.
- Ben Fernandes, harrow
GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD RUBBISH.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe, Lancashire
I love the fact that he's blamed his blatant abuse on a system that failed to stop him perpetrating (for all intents and purposes) fraud. Perhaps serial murderers could use the same defence, if it works for MP's then it should work across the board.
- Bob, Cheam
